The Tanakh Podcast

This chapter contains the famous lines that we recite at Tashlich on Rosh Hashanna. Music: שבק ס נופל וקם

God says that he has an argument with the people! What is it? What's the connection with the Exodus, with Bilaam, and with Sacrifices?

This is another chapter about redemptive, messianic times. But the text is at cross purposes: Will the future be one of war or peace? Why would shepherds and princes (rather than warriors) be the correct way to fight Assyria? In this podcast we relate to Rav Amital's Hesped for the 8 soldiers from Yeshivat Har Etzion who fell in the Yom Kippur War. You can see the speech at this link.

Chapter 4 communicates the messianic vision of a Jerusalem of lawfullness, peace and divine presence. Today we discuss verse 5 and its messages about Judaism's independence and we articulate a theology of religious tolerance.

Micah accuses the leadership - royalty, aristocracy, priests and prophets - of corruption. He issues a warning that Jerusalem will be destroyed. Did his words make an impact?

Chapter 2 presents a biting social critique of the injustices of society.

Micah is the fourth of the prophets who predicted the rise of the Assyrians and the downfall of Shomron and the ravaging of Judah. Today we discuss Micah's geography, imagery, empathy, poetry, and a little about archaeology as well.

Yonah is furious that God has forgiven Nineveh. Why is he so angry? Now Yonah reveals why he ran away to Tarshish. And God teaches him an important lesson about Justice and Mercy and what it is to be human.

Yonah calls on Nineveh to repent. They do! But are the changes that they make just a show or do they reflect a deeper process of change?

Jonah prays from the belly of the fish. Why does it take him 3 days to pray? What does he say in his prayer? Is he remorseful? Does he do Teshuva?